By Richard Dyer
Mail | Twitter: @RHDyer

A 302-unit apartment complex is planned in the Cadence at Gateway master-planned community in Mesa.

The Mesa Planning and Zoning Board recently voted unanimously in a consent agenda with other items to approve a site plan review and special use permit for a parking reduction at the 18-acre development.

Eighteen multiple-residence buildings are proposed with a clubhouse, Planner Robert Mansolillo said at a study session prior to the board’s April 27 meeting.

“The buildings will have a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units for a total of 302 units. Access is by Crismon Road,” he said.

The Mesa zoning ordinance requires 635 parking spaces for a development of this size. The applicant is proposing 518 — a 117-space reduction, Mansolillo said.

“The applicant did submit a parking analysis and the justification for the reduction is that given the 2.1 spaces per unit in the Mesa zoning ordinance would be excessive for this development given that almost 50% of these units are either studio or one-bedroom apartments,” he said.

Ellie Brundige of Gammage and Burnham PLC is the applicant. PPGN-Williams LLLP is the owner.

The development is planned to include 15 studio units, 135 one-bedroom units, 131 two-bedroom units and 21 three-bedrooms units, for a total of 302 units, according to a written project narrative from The Wolff Co.

“These units will be spread across 20 residential buildings with a mix of two-story carriage buildings — eight single-garage bays at the first floor with two dwelling units above at the second floor; three-story walk-up buildings; and three-story tuck-under buildings — garages at first floor,” it states. “TWC envisions a contemporary architectural style with a mix of exterior materials including masonry veneer, masonry CMU, transom windows, colors and stucco that complement the natural desert environment.”

The seven-member Mesa Planning and Zoning Board conducts hearings and makes recommendations to council on requests for changes in zoning and on required site plans. It also considers and recommends changes in the city’s long-range plans and in the municipal code concerning planning and zoning matters. Members are appointed for staggered terms of three years, according to the city’s website.

Richard Dyer
Managing Editor | East Valley
@RHDyer

rdyer@iniusa.org

Meet Richard
Richard Dyer has worked at Independent Newsmedia Inc. USA since 1987, starting his career in Apache Junction as a copy editor and being promoted over the years to work as the editor of the Mesa Independent, news services editor for the East Valley office in Apache Junction, managing editor for the East Valley office, news services editor for the East Valley office and eventually also for the newspapers at INI’s then-Chandler office, managing editor again and as a news editor covering Apache Junction/Gold Canyon and Queen Creek. He helped start the Florence Independent while the news editor covering Apache Junction and Mesa news. In January 2023, he became associate managing editor for the East Valley newspapers and in August 2023 became managing editor for the East Valley newspapers of Chandler/Tempe, Gilbert, Queen Creek, Florence, Mesa and Apache Junction/Gold Canyon, while also reporting on Mesa and Apache Junction/Gold Canyon.  

Community: Since 2009, he has worked as a volunteer to design The Blue Guitar Magazine, Blue Guitar Jr. magazine and Unstrung magazine, which are projects of The Arizona Consortium for the Arts; and since 2014, has been overseeing the art submissions. 

Education: University of Arizona with a master of arts in journalism and a bachelor of science in agricultural communication. Also continuing education at Mesa Community College in welding in a metal art sculpture class.

Random fact: Saw his first tornado on May 31, 2010, which was classified as an EF-2, as part of a stormchasing tour group.

Hobbies: He is an artist of welded-steel sculptures, selling his artwork at juried and non-juried art shows.